The future royal’s father posed for photographs of him Googling the couple, but the Mail on Sunday revealed CCTV images of Mr Markle speaking with photographers beforehand and seemingly confirmed the images were set up.

Other staged pictures included one of him exercising, one of him reading a book called ‘Images of Britain’ and one of Mr Markle being measured for a suit.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will marry on Saturday [Getty]

Kensington Palace has remained silent since it was established that the photos were faked and according to Grazia, they are quietly taking the stance that the incident is a consequence of the ongoing intrusion into his life.

Amid the controversy, Meghan’s sister Samantha made an appearance on ITV's Loose Women – via VT – where she confessed to suggesting the idea so that her dad could be shown in a positive light.

Ahead of the wedding at St George's Chapel in Windsor on Saturday, 19 May, Samantha said: "I have and I have to say I am entirely the culprit.

Samantha Markle admitted that she was responsible for the staged paparazzi pictures of their dad Thomas [ITV]

Samantha insisted that she only did it to show her dad and the royal family in a positive light [ITV]

"As we know the media can take very unflattering photographs of people on their casual days and blow it way out of proportion.

"I said, you know, the world has no idea you’re getting in shape, doing healthy things.

"They don’t photograph you buying vegetables and PH water. They photograph you as unflattering ways as they can."

Samantha Markle has spoken about her fractured relationship with Meghan in the past [A Current Affair]

She went on to add: "So I said, really you need to show the world that you’re getting in shape and doing great healthy things. So I suggested it."

Royal Wedding: Facts you need to know about Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's big day

Royal Wedding: Facts you need to know about Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's big day

All three siblings of the late Princess Diana – Lady Jane Fellowes, Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Charles Spencer – will attend the wedding
[Getty]

Royal Wedding facts: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's wedding takes place on May 19 at Windsor Palace with the royal family and Meghan's parents in attendance – click here to see all you need to know about the big day

Having found herself in the centre of a scandal so close to the nuptials, Samantha insisted that her reason for setting up the pictures wasn't for financial gain.